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Potential benefits of ginseng against COVID-19 by targeting inflammasomes
1Department of Life Sciences, Kyonggi University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the pathogenic virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with major symptoms including hyper-inflammation and cytokine storm, which consequently impairs the respiratory system and multiple organs, or even cause death. SARS-CoV-2 activates inflammasomes and inflammasome-mediated inflammatory signaling pathways, which are key determinants of hyperinflammation and cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 inhibits inflammasome activation to evade the host's antiviral immunity. Therefore, regulating inflammasome initiation has received increasing attention as a preventive measure in COVID-19 patients. Ginseng and its major active constituents, ginsenosides and saponins, improve the immune system and exert anti-inflammatory effects by targeting inflammasome stimulation. Therefore, this review discussed the potential preventive and therapeutic roles of ginseng in COVID-19 based on its regulatory role in inflammasome initiation and the host's antiviral immunity.
Insights
Ginseng may prevent and treat COVID-19 by regulating inflammasomes, which are key to hyper-inflammation. This natural compound bolsters antiviral immunity against SARS-CoV-2, offering a potential therapeutic avenue.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, characterized by hyper-inflammation and cytokine storms.
- SARS-CoV-2 manipulates inflammasome pathways, crucial for immune responses, to evade host defenses and exacerbate disease.
- Dysregulation of inflammasome activation is a critical factor in COVID-19 pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential preventive and therapeutic applications of ginseng in COVID-19.
- To explore ginseng's mechanism of action in modulating inflammasome initiation.
- To assess ginseng's role in enhancing host antiviral immunity against SARS-CoV-2.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on ginseng, ginsenosides, saponins, inflammasomes, and SARS-CoV-2.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying ginseng's immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding ginseng's impact on cytokine storm and viral evasion.
Main Results:
- Ginseng and its constituents (ginsenosides, saponins) exhibit immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Ginseng targets inflammasome pathways, potentially counteracting SARS-CoV-2-induced dysregulation.
- Evidence suggests ginseng can enhance the host's antiviral immunity.
Conclusions:
- Ginseng demonstrates significant potential as a preventive and therapeutic agent for COVID-19.
- Modulating inflammasome activity is a key mechanism through which ginseng may combat SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Further research into ginseng's role in COVID-19 management is warranted.
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